Bone cancer is a malignant tumor of the bone which destroys tissue. Most often the cancer will start in the larger bones of the legs and arms.

Bone cancer that begins in the bones is very rare and is known as primary bone cancer. Most bone cancers spread to the bone after beginning in another region of the body and is called secondary bone cancer.http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/bone

Bone cancer's most common symptom is pain. Other symptoms include anemia, weight loss, fatigue, fever and joint swelling. Sometimes the bone is weakened by the cancer and can fracture.

Chondrosarcoma, Ewing's Sarcoma and Osteosarcoma are all types of bone cancer. Osteosarcoma, is found in the osteoid tissue in the bone and most often occurs in the knee and upper arm. Chondrosarcoma occurs in cartilaginous tissueat the ends of bones and in the lining of the joints. It most often occurs in the pelvis , upper leg, and shoulder. The Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors (ESFTs), usually occur in bone but may also be found in soft tissue ESFTs occur most commonly at backbone, pelvis, legs and arms.http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/sites-types/bone

Common treatment for bone cancer is chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery. Treatment varies based on each individual's health and the extent of the cancer. Often more than one type of treatment may be used, such as using chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and then surgery to remove it.

In addition to these treatments, complementary treatments and alternative medicine therapy may be used to lessen the pain and increase healing. These may include techniques like nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine and pain management. http://www.cancercenter.com/bone-cancer/complementary-alternative-bone-treatment.cfm

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have bone cancer, please consult your doctor.